Patriots HC Bill Belichick offers no new information on Cam Newton absence

New England Patriots presumed starting quarterback Cam Newton missed five days of practice and Wednesday's joint session with the New York Giants, during which rookie Mac Jones produced impressive numbers, because of what was said to be a "misunderstanding" of the NFL's COVID-19 protocols but returned to work Thursday. 

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick was asked to elaborate on Newton's absence. To the surprise of nobody, Belichick offered no in-depth information on the situation. 

"I don’t really have anything to add," he answered, per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. "We released a statement. I think that covered it as thoroughly as we can without getting into lengthy things, so let’s leave it at that." 

Belichick continued: "He didn’t go against team rules, but there was a misunderstanding, and it’s exactly what I said it was in the statement." 

While it had been widely reported Newton would remain New England's QB1 through at least the regular-season opener against the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 12, Belichick told reporters earlier in the day he does not "have a timetable" for naming his starter past the preseason. 

It's unknown if either Newton or Jones can "win" the gig via performances in Sunday's preseason finale against the Giants.